The weekend of 12-13th July saw over 150 fledgling female surfers having fun in the sun at the second of the Billabong Girls Days at Woolacombe Beach, Devon.
The Billabong Girls Days tour bus rolled into town on Friday night, with pro rider Alana Brennan on board to share her expert hints and tips. The event kicked off under blue skies at the Billabong Bali-style camp on the headland above Woolacombe beach with a yoga lesson from Kula Yoga Collective, which stretched and warmed everyone up before the first surf of the weekend.
Then it was time to squeeze on the wetsuits and hit the beach with pro rider Alana Brennan and new Billabong recruit Brit surfer Laura Crane. Beginners and intermediate female surfers had two high octane hours in the perfect 2ft swell, with expert guidance from the girls plus a helping hand from some of the UK’s best surf instructors provided by the Nick Thorn Surf School.
Lounging over lunch, the girls had the opportunity to quiz the surf pros, followed by a nutrition workshop by Mark Adam from Fitfarm who doled out tips on healthy eating and energy foods that are good for surfing. Then it was back to the water to perfect those take-offs and cut backs!
Post-surf activities saw the girls enjoying the spirit of Aloha in a Hawaiian dance lesson under the afternoon sun. The highlight of the evening saw the girls modelling in an exclusive summer 2008 collection fashion show and a special performance from local musician, Jenn Witts, whose soulful acoustic set set the tone for the chilled-out evening BBQ.
Day two started with yoga and another surfing lesson, the last chance of the weekend to hone those new-found skills. After lunch, Billabong riders Alana and Laura joined the girls for the shaper and tie & dye workshops where they were given the opportunity to show their creative talents by creating their own tie dyed t-shirts and board art. Then it was time for girls to get set for the evening with a hip hop dance class.
By the end of the weekend many waves had been caught, friends had been made and 150 girls had been well and truly bitten by the surfing bug.
